Ladies Hockey

November 17 2024

Match Report – Mixed XI v Towcester XI

Mark Chadwick Ladies Hockey, Mens Hockey

MATCH REPORT Mixed XI v Towcester XI

The Wanderers mixed XI faced local rivals Towcester once again for the beginning of this season’s mixed cup run. The atmosphere was positive, and a selection of spectators tagged along to show their support at the away ground.

The Wanderers took a minute to organize themselves, and Towcester got themselves on the scoresheet early. Their forwards tried to expose GK Jade’s height disadvantage but were lucky to have tap-in assistance in front of the goal. As they started to find their feet, Jed managed to sneak past the defence to score a fabulous goal. A touch and a reverse stick lift of the ball to the Towcester goalie’s slow side found the net and spooked the home team. Taking no hesitation and riding the confidence boost, Jay threw an aerial over the midfielders’ heads to Pal, who sent a crash ball into the D. Once again, Jed got a one-touch goal to even the score to 2-2. After putting the pressure on, Wootton found that Towcester switched their heads back on, working their way around the backline to collect a third goal. Wootton didn’t let this get to them, and after receiving the ball from Julie, Solo slotted the ball inside the post with a spinning body ripper from the top of the D.

As a spectator, the view was that the strong pressure before halftime should have been enough to win and to keep the Towcester defence pinned back. The only defender able to keep up with the swift-footed Jed was the appropriately named Plum Bum. Pal was comfortably ahead of the defence down the left wing. Dan was pushing up quickly from the midfield along with Witty and Charlotte. However, Wootton’s play began to become sloppy, and simple mistakes were being made by their players. As per usual, both teams were becoming flustered and argumentative. Stick clatters, short corners, and a bit of drama queenery took the focus away from the strong team plays. The defensive backline started to take a battering, with Jay taking a swing from Corey to the face, and Jade losing her helmet as Amy made a last-minute tackle to send the ball out of the D. Towcester were the team who managed to take advantage of the mishaps and gained themselves two more goals before the final whistle.

The final score was 5-3 to Towcester, and Wootton will now compete for the plate against Leicester City

Man of the Match Jed Langton

A brace and an excellent showing.

November 17 2024

Match Report – Ladies 4 vs Milton Keynes 4

Annabel Murphy L4, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 4 vs Milton Keynes 4

From the start of the match the ladies 4,s battled well to keep possession playing as a team scoring 5 goals in the first half.

The second half was a different story as MK strengthened their backline, and although WW team had 99% possession, we struggled to put away the goals.

Finally managing goal number 6 settling at 6-0 win.

With some great play from our player/coach Amie who coached & involved every single player on the pitch, giving our youngsters confidence and bringing out the best in them.

Some superb performances from our two GOG – Felicity & Bella

Slinky skills goes to Sally for her great performance at Left Back

467198297_18252186436280192_6763185567130974846_n

Player of the Match Felicity & Bella

For some superb performances

November 17 2024

Match Report – Ladies 3 vs Leighton Buzzard 3 – A Top of the League Thriller

Annabel Murphy L3, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 3 vs Leighton Buzzard 3 - A Top of the League Thriller

A chilly but sunny Saturday lunchtime saw Wootton Wanderers 3s face off against Leighton Buzzard 3s in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. Both teams were tied on points, and it was clear from the first whistle that this was going to be a game full of intensity and competitive spirit.

The action kicked off early, with Wootton taking the lead from a well-executed short corner. Julie, cool as ever under pressure, sent the ball straight into the net to make it 1-0. A quick break soon followed, with Lily May feeding a perfectly timed pass to Jodie, who finished the move in style, doubling the lead to 2-0.

Just when it seemed like Wootton were settling in, Julie wasn’t done yet. From the top of the circle, she unleashed a thunderous hit that flew past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0. Leighton Buzzard were struggling to cope with Wootton’s fast-paced play and clinical finishing.

The fourth goal came just before half-time, when Julie intercepted a pass, sprinted forward, and squared the ball back to Jodie, who made no mistake in completing the move. 4-0 at the break, and Wootton were in full control.

Special mention goes to Jodie, who was deservedly named Man of the Match for her relentless work rate and solid performance on the right wing. Trudy also deserves a shout-out for her toughness after taking a few knocks but never letting it faze her. Her resilience helped keep the midfield strong throughout.

In the second half, Wootton continued to dictate the game, with Leighton Buzzard unable to break through their solid defence. The Wanderers kept their shape, played patient hockey, and most importantly, didn’t let their guard down, ensuring that the scoreline remained unchanged.

Final score: Wootton Wanderers 3s 4, Leighton Buzzard 3s 0.

A fantastic team performance, another clean sheet, and a well-earned three points as Wootton continue their strong push for the top spot!

Player of the Match Jodie

For her relentless work rate and solid performance on the right wing.

November 17 2024

Match Report – Ladies 2 vs Oxford University 4

Annabel Murphy L2, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 2 vs Oxford University 4

Wootton Wanderers Ladies 2s made the long trek to Oxford University to play their 4th team. Greeted with the crisp & fresh morning air, the girls felt positive going into the game.

Right from the start, Wanderers came out strong, demonstrating impressive passing. Amber made brilliant play, finding Carmen in the D who beat the keeper and flicked the ball into the goal giving the girls a 1-0 lead. With momentum on their side, Wootton continued their attacking efforts, pushing to extend their advantage.

However, Oxford uni responded with vigour, turning up the heat and managing to break through Wanderers’ last line of defence, bringing the score to 1-1. Next, a controversial short corner was awarded against Wootton which Oxford capitalised on to take a 2-1 lead. As the first half came to a close, the girls regrouped, refocusing for the next 35 minutes with a determination to give it their all.

The second half saw Oxford continue to pressure, resulting in several decisions that led to multiple penalty corners for the home side. Oxford took full advantage, converting two of the opportunities and extending their lead to 4-1.
Wootton had their moments , showcasing some good phases of play as they advanced towards the attacking D but they struggled to find the back of the net. Oxford challenged the Wanderers’ defence further, successfully striking twice more with exceptional shots. The match concluded with a final score of 6-1 in favour of the home team.

Player of the match went to captain Chloe, whose resilience in goal and outstanding saves were pivotal in guiding the team throughout the game.

Next week sees the girls at home take on Banbury 3s at the early time of 10:30am

Player of the Match Chloe

For her resilience in goal and outstanding saves were pivotal in guiding the team throughout the game.

November 17 2024

Match Report – Ladies 1 vs Leighton Buzzard 2

Annabel Murphy L1, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 1 vs Leighton Buzzard 2

L1s travelled to a more local game in Leighton buzzard this week, hoping to come away with 3 points after last week’s defeat!

The game started quickly, Leighton knew to use their quick runners as the ball speed on the vandyke beach was slow and our defenders were forced to switch on early. Leighton set themselves up for some early 2v1 play in our D, and after a first save from Jade worked their way around to make it 1-0 to the home team.
As per our usual habits it took some early pressure for the ladies to switch on, and we started to make our way up the pitch and gaining some strong advantages in the D. We gained a positive short corner outcome and Easty took it confidently, banging the ball into the left post to make the score line level before half time.

At half time heads were kept high and attitudes were shuffled to aim at positivity.

Both teams came out of the gate strong, with some 50/50 play throughout, our defence held strong and their runners were held back by the defenders. Steph took the ball at the top of our D and shot it down the pitch to Sophie, who buried the ball into the left of the goal from across the D.
The 2-1 advantage wasn’t held for long, at a short corner Leighton managed to scramble the ball over our defensive stick to level the game!
Not wanting to come away with the draw, and knowing we deserved more, Wanderers worked tirelessly up and down the wings, getting themselves into the oppositions D but not quite coming away with anything, until our Ellie out paced the Buzzard midfield and dancing around their defence, then calmly passing the ball onto Sophie at the P spot who with great composure took a touch and cleanly popped the ball into the goal, giving the wanderers a tight 3-2 win!
The team will take the positives for the match plus the 3 points a prepare for the visit of Hawks on Saturday.

MOM – Olivia Mason for her distribution and work in the midfield.

Player of the Match Olivia Mason

For her distribution and work in the midfield.

November 10 2024

Match Report – Ladies 3 vs Aylesbury 3

Annabel Murphy L3, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 3 vs Aylesbury 3

After a picturesque drive through the rolling Buckinghamshire countryside, dodging single-track lanes and quaint villages, the Wanderers arrived at Aylesbury Vale Academy, ready to face their latest challenge. The weather, however, was anything but picturesque – a grey sky and a chilly breeze set the stage for a tough contest.

The game kicked off with an early flurry of action, and it didn’t take long for Wootton to break the deadlock. A well-worked short corner was initially saved by the Aylesbury keeper, but Sally Knights was on hand to poke the rebound over the line, giving Wootton the lead.

The second goal came soon after, when Julie latched onto a loose ball, sending it rocketing into the back of the net on the volley. A clinical finish that had the team 2-0 up at half-time.

The second half saw Wootton continue to dominate, with strong team play throughout. Jodie, Trudy, and Sally M worked tirelessly in midfield, stringing together some beautiful passes that sliced through the Aylesbury defence. Julie soon added her second, hammering the ball home to make it 3-0.

Aylesbury, to their credit, continued to push forward, but they met a well-drilled Wootton defence that was resolute and organised. The back four, led by a solid defensive display, shut down any attacking threats and comfortably dealt with Aylesbury’s short corners.

The fourth goal came after a brilliant strike from Julie was saved by the keeper, only for Amy to pounce on the rebound and score, making it 4-0. It was another excellent example of the team’s persistence and hunger in the final third.

Wootton weren’t done yet, though. The fifth goal arrived from another short corner, where both Julie and Amy had been fouled in the build-up. A powerful strike from Julie found its way through the chaos in front of goal, with a defender inadvertently deflecting it into the net to complete the 5-0 scoreline.

Once again, Wootton showcased their strength as a unit. Some excellent runs with the ball, well-timed passes, and solid defensive work meant they were never troubled by Aylesbury’s attacks.

And let’s not forget the team’s stunning defensive record – this was the fourth consecutive game in which Wootton have kept a clean sheet! It was a true team performance, with everyone contributing from front to back.

*Player of the Match* went to Sally M for her tireless work in the midfield and her key role in both attacking and defensive play.

In summary, a fantastic result for the Wanderers, who continue their fine form with a dominant 5-0 victory. Great team performance, great teamwork, and a lot of smiles all round!

Player of the Match Sally M

For her tireless work in the midfield and her key role in both attacking and defensive play.

November 10 2024

Match Report – Ladies 2 vs Enigma 1

Annabel Murphy L2, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 2 vs Enigma 1

Ladies 2s faced off against Enigma 1s on a chilly morning. From the whistle, Wanderers took charge, showcasing their training as they dominated possession and dictated the flow of the game.

Their hard work in practice paid off when Aime converted a penalty corner, firing the ball into the net giving the girls a 1-0 lead.

The entire team exhibited extraordinary efforts, with the defence remaining largely untested due to the team’s attacking prowess. With multiple short corners, the momentum continued to build.

The second goal came when Luce seized her moment, smashing the ball into the goal on the volley after a deflected pass up into the air, extending the lead to 2-0 before half time.

As they regrouped for the second half, Wanderers were infused with an inspiring team talk. They resumed play with the same intensity, dominating possession and utilising every player to push forward. However, Enigma struck back from a penalty corner, narrowing the score to 2-1. Undeterred, Wanderers responded quickly when Kat found herself with ample space at the top of the D and fired a well placed shot into the net , restoring a 2 goal lead.

Shortly after, another PC for Wootton led to Aime & Kat executing a simple in-and-out routine allowing Aime to push the ball past the keeper for a 4-1 lead.
Enigma capitalised on a moment of gradualness from Wootton in a 16, and used that to launch a counter attack in which they were successful and rebooted the score to 4-2.

Wanderers were determined to finish strong, after a series of beautiful passes and working off the ball, the ball found its way to the back post from a sublime, forceful push from Jess outside the D in which Rachael slotted it past the keeper sealing a 5-2 victory for Wootton.

Player of the match went to youngster Luce for a remarkable goal and relentless efforts throughout the game

Player of the Match Lucy Knights

For a remarkable goal and relentless efforts throughout the game

November 10 2024

Match Report – Ladies 1 vs Windsor 2

Annabel Murphy L1, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 1 vs Windsor 2

This Saturday bought on the first cold game of the season, and the first visit of Windsor ladies who were also promoted last season from the Thame League.
The Wanderers started the game showing their strengths, Windsor had set a high press and left their attackers high up the pitch, but this did not phase the team and we were making successful attacking plays towards the Windsor goal. Many shots were taken by our forwards but their back line and keeper did well to repel the ball back and away from the goal. Eventually a quick play out from CB Steph towards Annie, then a great slipped the ball out to Stabbler who popped her running legs on and crashed the ball into D and then put in the goal by Frankie to give the wanderers the 1-0 advantage.
Windsor attempted to come back hard and their high attackers lines themselves up for a few 1 v 1 attacks, however despite their pressure half time arrived 1-0 to Wanderers.

Half time swooped in and the team were positive, Steph stepped in to focus the team describing the Windsor play and words of wisdom to counter.

As the second half started the game took a turn, Windsor upped their pace and their attacking players began gain more and more advantages. Both teams were making unsuccessful but positive attacks towards each goal, however Wanderers frustrations were building and gaps began to show. As the game became more turbulent, a red mist creeped its way across the pitch. Windsor made multiple player attacks through our defence, pressure growing, GK Jade made a panicked decision, and upturned the attacking player, the decision a Penalty flick and lucky to stay on the pitch. Windsor took full advantage of this giving themself a leveller midway through the second half.
The P-Flick broke Wanderers spirits and another quick attacking turnaround saw an empty grey shirt taking a clean tomahawk towards goal to give Windsor 2-1 advantage. Windsor began to use brute over skill, and this time we couldn’t get our usual rhythm back and the match finished 1-2 to Windsor.

A lot of learning was gained this week by the team, manager Tony gave some stern but encouraging words as the team reflects, resets and ready themselves for the short trip to local rivals Leighton buzzard.

Special mention to our defence, specifically Abby, made some excellent last minute saves behind the GK keeping her blushes to a minimum!
Not a great day for the L1’s but we pick ourselves up a go again next Saturday.

MOM – Abby for her solid defence and backup in the D

Half time swooped in and the team were positive, Steph stepped in to focus the team describing the Windsor play and words of wisdom to counter.

MOM – Abby for her solid defence and backup in the D

8033D45B-A16D-4FC7-8713-CC3C1ABEEC11_1_105_c

Player of the Match Abby

For her solid defence and backup in the D

November 3 2024

Match Report – Ladies 3 vs Oxford 6

Annabel Murphy L3, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT Ladies 3 vs Oxford 6

On an overcast Saturday, the Wootton Wanderers 3s faced Oxford 6 at Northampton High School, where the action kicked off under grey skies but with plenty of spark on the pitch.

Oxford started brightly, dominating possession in the first 10-15 minutes. However, Wootton’s defence held firm, with a solid display of resilience keeping the visitors at bay.

The deadlock was broken when the ball found its way to Julie. After beating a couple of defenders, she unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the circle, sending it into the back of the net. 1-0 to Wootton!

Oxford tried to bounce back, but Wootton were soon on the attack again. A beautifully weighted pass from Sally found Julie in space. The Oxford keeper rushed out but only managed a touch, sending Julie wide. But no matter – Julie took it calmly turning and slotting the ball home for her second of the day.

The third goal followed swiftly. Lily-May showed great awareness when a ball hit an Oxford foot in the circle. The umpire played advantage, and Lily-May passed to Julie, who struck first-time to beat the keeper. A clinical finish putting Wootton 3-0 up at halftime.

After the break, Oxford came out strong, determined to claw their way back into the game. They upped the physicality and tried to use their strength to bully Wootton off the ball. However, Wootton remained composed and extended their lead when a quick free hit found Julie at the top of the circle. She fired off a shot that deflected off a defender and into the net, making it 4-0.

Oxford’s resolve was starting to wane, but they still tried to push forward. Wootton weren’t done yet though, and a well-executed short corner placed by Julie into the bottom corner as the defence were too busy trying to prevent a diving deflection from Amy.
A fantastic finish and a fitting way to seal the win at 5-0.

Julie was awarded Player of the Match for her goals and overall commanding performance, but credit goes to the entire team for a solid, composed victory. Wootton Wanderers 3s head into their next match with heads held high, sitting top of the league.

Player of the Match Julie Allington

For her goals and overall commanding performance

November 3 2024

Match Report – Ladies 2 vs Leighton Buzzard 3

Annabel Murphy L2, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT Ladies 2 vs Leighton Buzzard 3

Ladies 2s travelled away to Leighton Buzzard for an unseasonably late time at 3:30 to play their 3rd team.

As dusk began to settle over the pitch, Wanderers aimed to bounce back from their previous week’s performance.
From the outset, Wootton established their intent, dominating possession and displaying teamwork.

The defence effectively utilised transfers round the back, ensuring that every member of the team contributed to advancing up the pitch.
Despite creating numerous opportunities within Leighton Buzzards defensive circle, Wanderers were unable to convert these chances into goals, missing the mark by mere inches. At the opposite end, Wootton’s defence held firm, with tight man2man to marking preventing leighton buzzard from breaking through. The first half showcased one of the best performances from the ladies 2s this season, but at the break the scoreline remained untouched.

The second half commenced similarly to the first, with Wootton maintaining control of the ball and looking for an elusive breakthrough.
With tired legs and no subs, the girls persisted effectively. Just as it seemed Wootton would find an equaliser, Leighton buzzard seized an opportunity during a counter attack which resulted in a penalty corner, from which Leighton buzzard struck a powerful strike that found the backboard, putting them ahead 1-0.

Recognising that time was of the essence, Wootton threw everything they had into the final 15 minutes, determined to equalise. They created a few more reasonable chances, but Leighton Buzzards defence stood resolute, denying any further opportunities.

The match concluded at 5pm with Leighton Buzzard claiming all 3 points.

Girl of the game was awarded to Kat for her outstanding efforts and determination in midfield where she not only supported her teammates but also showcased her relentless drive throughout the match.

465871012_18250778248280192_2756796883627319170_n

Player of the Match Kat

For her outstanding efforts and determination in midfield where she not only supported her teammates but also showcased her relentless drive throughout the match.